Every year, thousands of Nigerian students preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) are first mandated to generate a JAMB profile code. It is the very first step in the registration process, and without it, you simply cannot buy the UTME form, complete registration, or sit for the examination.
In this article, PON News finds it worthy to explain how to generate your JAMB profile code for the 2026 admission cycle in a simple, straightforward way.
Before then, I’d like to walk us through what exactly a JAMB profile code is.
A JAMB profile code is a unique 10-digit number linked to your personal details through your National Identification Number (NIN). It allows JAMB to retrieve your biodata automatically and start your registration process.
Once generated, the code is used to purchase your e-PIN, complete registration at an accredited CBT centre, and access other admission services.
Things to prepare before Generating It
Before you begin, make sure you have:
A valid National Identification Number (NIN)
A personal phone number not used by another candidate
Enough airtime for an SMS
Correct biodata with NIMC (name spelling, date of birth, gender)
JAMB strongly advises correcting any NIN errors first because biodata cannot easily be changed after profile creation.
Step-by-Step: How To Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
To make the processes easy for you, I have put together a step-by-step guide on how to generate your JAMB profile code:
Step 1: Open Your SMS App
Use the phone number you intend to keep throughout your admission process. This number becomes your official JAMB contact.
Step 2: Type Your NIN Correctly:
NIN [space] Your 11-digit NIN
Example:
NIN 12345678901
Make sure:
NIN is in capital letters
There is only one space before the number
No punctuation or extra words
There is enough airtime for SMS
Step 3: Send the Message to the Approved Number
Send the SMS to:
55019 (main UTME candidates)
66019 (often used for Direct Entry or alternative access)
Both numbers are officially approved for profile generation.
Step 4: Wait for Your Profile Code
If everything is correct:
You will receive a reply SMS
It will contain your 10-digit JAMB profile code
Your name may also appear for confirmation
This usually takes a few minutes, though network delays can occur.
Step 5: Save the Code Safely
Do not lose it. Write it down, screenshot it, and store it securely. You will then need it to:
Buy your JAMB e-PIN
Complete registration at a CBT centre
Check admission or results later
